Greetings Loyal Readers. Ben and I would like to let you know that if you like our writing you can read the other stories we have posted on Nifty. Check out Ben's story "The Last Resort" in Young Friends, and Douglas's story "The Survivors" right here in the Sci-fi section. We hope you enjoy them both. As for your cast of thousands here on the Lady Lex, it appears Ben and Andrew have more problems than they imagined.
The Boys of the Lady Lex Chapter 9 "This Just In" Written By Douglas DD and Benjamin T. Collins
Captain Hatcher rubbed his temples, trying to rub away the headache that was pounding his head. It felt like a dozen road construction men were pounding away with jack hammers. He closed his eyes and tried to think what he was going to do next. He knew that this task wasn't going to be easy, maybe for once he bit off more then he could chew and he would fall flat on his face with Admiral Whitaker laughing the entire time. But he never believed in a no win situation. If he did, then he failed even before the situation a raised.
The door chimed. "Come," said Hatcher who didn't bother looking up to see who it was.
"Captain Hatcher, I understand you chewed my Master Sergeant's ass today," said Lieutenant Colonel Stone who was trying to hold in his anger and trying to be professional about this.
"Look Stone, I really don't want to get into this right now."
"Captain, I respect you're rank and your position. It is my job to do so. But by God you better respect the position you entrusted to me. If you have a problem with me or any of my men, you will come to me. Then I will handle the problem. No one manhandles my men."
Captain Hatcher stood up. He didn't like the tone that Stone was giving him. "Listen here Colonel Stone. A mistake happened under you command of those boys. An innocent civilian got injured and that could have been avoided if you would let him see me or the doctor."
"I regret that the Daniels kid got injured down in engineering, but we have over 200 boys on this ship who have more experience at lying, cheating, stealing, conniving, conning, and even killing then they do playing Candy Land or Checkers. You know damn well Captain that those boys will do what they can do to get out of what we tell them to do. Especially if it's something they don't want to do. I have to come down hard on them. I need to break them and tear out that foundation that they have lain for themselves. Then my men...you and your crew will rebuild those boys into good productive citizens. Now I treat those boys no different then the boys who go through Marine Basic Training. And yes, those boys are treated rougher and treated with more discipline and punishments then the regulars on the academy ships, but we have no choice. We have to be rougher."
"Colonel, I agree with you 100 percent, but not letting a boy see the doctor because you thought he was lying is uncalled for. I will not tolerate that."
"Okay, Captain, every time a boy requests to see the Doctor, we will let him go. I will obey your orders. But if you ever chew out the ass or discipline one of my men without my knowledge about it again, may God be watching you." "Colonel Stone. That almost sounded like a threat." "How sloppy of me. It was a threat. Good day sir," said Stone. He then left the office.
Captain Hatcher got up. He wanted to go and take care of that Marine's ass right there and then, but he was too tired, his head was really throbbing and he knew if he would go follow Stone, the outcome would be worse then if he waited and had a calm talk with him after the both of them cooled down. Captain Hatcher looked at his watch and couldn't believe how late it was. He stretched and headed to his living quarters. Commander Creevey met him in the hall.
"Captain, I was just coming to see you. Captain Storm, Ensign Masters and Mr. Wolfe just departed from the Lady Lex."
"Very well. I hope they succeed. God knows we don't need any more set backs."
"Where exactly are they going, Sir?"
"They are going to see if they can get us some parts for the ship. Is there anything else?"
"Actually there is, Sir. Admiral Whitaker found out about the damage we caused on board the Excalibur."
"You know a stunt like that would have cost me my command if I was still in SFA."
"Captain, because of this incident, he mentioned about shutting down the program."
"What?"
"What did you say?"
"I didn't say anything. At that point our communications conked out." She smiled and winked at him.
"So you bought us some time."
"Yeah, but I'm not sure how much though."
"All right, is there anything else?"
"With Captain Storm away from the ship, I will be filling in for him as Chief Engineer."
"Very well. Amanda, you're doing an outstanding job as my X.O. thanks." The Captain headed down the corridor by himself.
"Captain, what are we going to do about Whitaker?"
"I don't know."
Captain Hatcher sat on the bridge in his command chair. The bridge was dead. No lights were flashing, no panels beeping, no people hustling around their stations. It was a dead calm silence.
"There's my hero."
Hatcher turned and saw his lovely bride standing in the doorway. She gave him a reassuring smile and walked onto the bridge.
"What brings you here?" he asked.
"I knew it was a rough day for you and I knew the world is resting on your shoulders and I figured you would be up here thinking." She sat down in the X.O.'s chair.
"Linda, I failed. Admiral Whitaker wants to shut the program down now. He has all the right to do it too. After that stupid stunt we tried pulling off."
"So you going to quit?"
"What other choice do I have? I don't have the volunteers that I need. I don't have the parts or tools that I need. I failed and I failed hard."
"So you are going to quit and give up on those boys and send them to prison?"
"I have no other choice."
"Stephen, you have a choice. You can fight. You always been a fighter. Why quit now?"
"How am I suppose to fight the highest ranking officer in SFA? And do it in a way that is legal so those boys don't get the impression that playing dirty is okay?"
"Steve, the day you took Mark out for his uniform, Jesse was in a play."
"He was?"
Linda ignored the comment. "There was a cute boy and girl in the play who played Mr. and Mrs. John Adams. John Adams was feeling sorry for himself because he felt he failed at getting the United States independence from England. He painted himself black and made himself to look like the bad guy. Abigail Adams asked him why he thought so little of her for describing a man that she married. She would never marry a man like that he described. Then she said that her husband once told her that there are only two creatures worth of value on this planet. Those with a commitment and those who need a commitment from others. Steve if you dare tell me that you didn't make a commitment or that those boys on this ship doesn't need the commitment of others, then how can you think so little of me for marrying a man like that?"
Steve didn't say a word. He knew his wife was right. He made a commitment and he had to keep it. He couldn't let this project fail. "So what happened after she said that?"
"Adams received saltpeter from her and that gave him the strength that he had lost back and he went in front of congress and got us our independence."
"Saltpeter?"
"Yes, things wives do for their husbands."
Steve started laughing. "I just could imagine what the headlines in the newspaper said. John Adams Received Saltpeter and Independence..." Steve trailed off as a light bulb went off in his head.
"What is it Steve?"
"Do you remember when we were at your sister's house a year ago?"
"Yeah, why?"
"Your sister's husband, Tom, told us a story that while he was in combat camera in the earth navy, he once saved a television reporter."
"Yes, I remember Elizabeth telling me that."
"Linda, this is great. No one is willing to stand up to Whitaker face to face. They would rather be in an underground resistance against him. But we need someone to stand up to him face to face. And if Tom is willing to help me, I know just the person."
"That reporter?"
"There is no better choice."
Linda smiled. "There's my hero."
Captain Hatcher jumped up and ran to the communications room. It was time to make a phone call.
Dr. Daniels sat alone in his quarters. The lights were dimmed down low and a faint humming of the ship's systems danced around his ears. Dr. Daniels sat in his chair where he has been since Nipper returned to the quarters that he now shared with Douglas. Dr. Daniels thought for sure he could have the best of both worlds by bringing his boys into space with him. But he has come to realize that the best of both worlds for him was not the best of both worlds for his sons. It took his younger son to run away and get injured to make him realize that.
Dr. Daniels poured himself another bourbon and water. He didn't drink often because he always felt that he needed his mind always sober not knowing when his profession would be called for use, but tonight was an exception. With a glass of bourbon in one hand and a picture of his departed Mary in his other and lots of memories and concerns in between them, he just stared at his best friend's picture.
"How did you do it Mary? Not only were you a mother, but you were a father to our boys. I am having a hard enough time just being a father, let alone both. But you were more to them. You were their friend, their teacher, their veterinarian for their cats. You were their compass, their mentor, their lighthouse when they were lost. You were their to put a band aide on their skinned up knees, or help soothe their heart when it was broken. You wiped their tears away and replaced them with smiles. You were their night watchman. When one was sick, you would stay up with them holding their hand and nursing them back to health. You were so much to them and now I have shoes to fill that there is no possible way to fill them. And even if I could fill them, I wouldn't know how or where to begin."
"I snatched our boys from your world...their world and tried forcing them into mine. I was wrong Mary. I should have stayed in their world like I planned on doing. But then this opportunity arose where I could bring them into my world. Neither of them wanted to go. But I was too damn blind and too deaf to hear them. Some say that space is an addiction. Once you had a taste of it, you crave for more. Once space starts running through your veins, there is no turning back. Space clamps its cold grip around you tight and the only direction it will take you is deeper into the bowels of it."
"I need to free myself of that grip. I need to escape and take our boys back to Earth. When Nipper was injured, I found my escape hole. This was the leverage I needed to break lose. But then Nipper told me he didn't want to go. He wanted to stay. Nipper told me he met a boy who needs him on board the Lady Lex as a friend. He said this boy doesn't belong here, but the courts put him here anyway. Nipper said he has to be here to help his friend survive this new world he was thrown in just as this boy helped Nipper get through the night when he missed you. You would be so proud of him."
"Then there's Douglas. He still wants to go home. He even mentioned if we get home soon he still has a chance of running for office again for student government. Douglas said there is nothing here for him to stay, but there is everything for him back on Earth. I told Nipper that we would only stay if Douglas agreed too, but Douglas wants to go home. Nipper was mad at Douglas, but staying has to be an unanimous decision. And I made Nipper promise me that he wouldn't do anything to persuade Douglas into changing his mind."
"The next couple of days, I will be performing a bunch of physicals on boys to make sure they are healthy. As soon as I am done, the shuttle will be ready to take us home. I still don't know how you did it Mary. What was your secret?"
Dr. Daniels thoughts were interrupted by the chime to his quarters. He got up and opened his door. It stuck halfway open and Lieutenant Colonel Stone and Dr. Daniels had to force it all the way open.
"This ship is in need of lots of repairs. What can I do for you colonel?" asked Dr. Daniels.
"I am sorry to disturb you so late in the night. But I have seven boys here that requested to see you. One of them has an ear ache. One of them has a stomach ache. One has a headache. One is claiming he is dizzy, another says his big toe hurts, another says he is having problems seeing, and the last one said that he has blisters on his hands that hurt. But anyway, they all requested to see the doc and here they are. Good night Doctor." Colonel Stone walked away leaving the doctor with seven boys.
Dr. Daniels escorted the boys to sick bay and treated them properly for their needs.
"Sspt! Douglas, you awake?" whispered Nipper.
Douglas replied with a soft snore.
Nipper climbed out of his bunk and peered over the top of the bunk to look at his brother. Douglas was sound asleep. Nipper silently left his quarters. He quickly and carefully crept down the darken passageways and made way to his old living quarters. He managed to sneak by the two watches and open the door and stepped inside.
"Sspt! Andrew, you awake?" There was no answer.
Nipper went over to Andrew's bed and saw it was empty. He went over to his old bed and that too was empty. He laid in his old bed, waiting for Andrew. Thinking that maybe he was on watch or had to go to the bathroom. The longer Nipper waited, the more tired he got. And soon, sleep overcame his eyelids.
Scooter and Mike woke up suddenly as a loud storm erupted into their room. Scooter tried to shake the sleep from his head as the lights were slammed on.
"Cadet Starr!!!! What the fuck happened?" yelled Sgt. Murdock.
"What?"
"You assigned two boys to stand watch and both of them fell asleep."
"They did?"
"Yes they did. Cadet Cooper and Cadet Abrams"
Scooter's heart sank. He knew Cadet Abrams was his friend Jeff. He didn't want Jeff to end up doing the same thing that he had to endure the night before.
"Cadet Starr. You are the watch bill coordinator. You will give them disciplinary action."
"I will?"
"Yes you will. Now get out of your bed and get to those boys."
Scooter hurried out in the passageway. Jeff was standing at attention like he was told to, but Johnny Cooper was just putzing along like he didn't give a shit. Which he didn't.
"Now Mr. Watch Bill Coordinator. How do you plan on rectifying this problem we have of watches falling to sleep?"
Scooter thought to himself. "Don't do this to me. Please."
"Well?"
"I don't know Sergeant."
"You don't know? You just had two watches fall asleep on you and killed everyone in the company and you don't know what to do about it."
"No Sergeant, I don't."
"I will tell you what you are going to do. These watch standees have 30 minutes left to their watch. Cycle them," said Murdock with an evil glare.
"Cycle them?"
"Are you hard of hearing Cadet Starr?"
"No, Sergeant."
"Then tell them to assume the position and make them do strenuous exercise until their reliefs show up."
"But Sergeant."
"No buts cadet. You are the watch bill coordinator and you will handle this situation."
Reluctantly, Scooter told Johnny and Jeff to assume the push up position. If looks could kill, Johnny would have killed Scooter instantly. Scooter stood there for 30 minutes telling them to do pushups, sit-ups, eight count body builders, and other exercises.
Just when Scooter thought it was time for the next watch to come and relieve them, Colonel Stone brought some bad news. He told them that the two boys who were suppose to relieve Jeff and Johnny went to medical. These boys will have to stand another two hour watch. Scooter apologized to the boys and was about ready to offer to take the spot for one of them when Sergeant Murdock quickly pointed out that Scooter was told to cycle Jeff and Johnny until their reliefs showed up. He didn't say until their shift was over. So for the next two grueling hours, he ordered Johnny and Jeff to do exercises and with every drop of sweat Johnny dribbled to the floor, another ounce of hatred towards Scooter built up. He vowed under his tired breath that he will get even with this pussy.
Dr. Daniels flopped into his chair. He looked at his watch and it was 6 am. Every time he was about to go to sleep, Lt. Col. Stone would bring a group of cadets with very minor complaints. No sooner he got done seeing one group of boys, Stone would bring another group. He knew what Stone was doing, but he wasn't about to let him win. The door chimed and Dr. Daniels just shook his head.
"What is it now?"
The door open and Lt. Col. Stone stood in the frame of it. "I have another boy who requested to see you."
"What's his problem?"
"Sleep walking."
"Sleep walking?"
Stone reached into the passageway and pulled Nipper into the door frame. "It seems that this boy has a problem of sleep walking. I found him in one of my cadet's rooms sleeping."
"Nipper?"
"Dr. Daniels. I suggest you keep your son away from my cadets unless they are in academic classes with each other. I will not have your son interfere with my cadets."
Before Dr. Daniels could say anything, Stone had closed the door and left.
"Morning dad," said Nipper kind of embarrassed like.
"Nipper, what is the meaning of this?"
"I wanted to see if Andrew was okay. He doesn't like sleeping in a room by himself."
"I'm glad you wanted to comfort him, but you can't be going into that part of the ship anymore."
"But Dad, Andrew wasn't in his room."
"Maybe he was on watch or something?"
"No, I checked the watch bill. Andrew never showed up."
"Maybe they put him in a different room or something."
"But his clothes and personal items were still in the room."
"Maybe he went to his brother's room or something."
"I didn't think of that."
"Look, go off to your room and get showered and stuff. If you want you can help me with the physicals I have to perform today."
"Nah, that's okay." Nipper gloomily shuffled his way back to his quarters. Douglas was still asleep. Nipper crawled into his bed and thought about Andrew and wish he could cuddle up to him.
Commander Creevey, Dr. Daniels, Major Zjan-Ren, Dr. Kula, Sister Agatha, and Reverend Kyle all sat around a large conference room. It was 0800 and the Captain wanted to have a staff meeting.
"Good Morning," said the Captain as he walked into the quarters. "Where's Colonel Stone?"
"He said he will be up momentarily," said Commander Creevey.
"I'm not going to wait for him. I will be blunt and not beat around the bush. We have been ordered to shut down the project and bring the boys back to earth." The room grew silent. "We have been given one week to get things in order and bring the boys home."
"Why?" asked Reverend Kyle.
"Why isn't important. Right now, we can't fail those boys. We need to fight Admiral Whitaker and convince him to keep this program up and running. And not only keep it up and running, but to fully support us."
"How are you going to do that?" asked Dr. Daniels. "Simple. To have someone stand up to Whitaker in public."
"Who's going to do that?" asked Creevey.
"Mariah Kingsly."
"You mean the investigative reporter from WTKN?" asked Reverend Kyle.
"The one and only. She will be coming out here to do a story on us. She will make Admiral Whitaker look so bad that he will have no choice but to support us."
"But why would she do that?" asked Sister Agatha.
"Simple. Mariah Kingsly is Whitaker's ex-wife."
"Captain, is this a wise idea?" asked Creevey.
"It's the only way I can think of to save the program without breaking any of the rules. Now we have a lot of things to do before the news crew gets here."
"Excuse me Captain, I'm sorry I'm late, but we have a situation on our hands," said Stone as he entered the conference room.
"What is it Colonel?"
"We have two missing boys. Cadet Benjamin Collins and Cadet Andrew Collins."
"My nephews. How are they missing?"
"We think they are still on the ship hiding. There is no way they could get off. My Marines are looking for them now."
"Nipper said Andrew was missing," chimed in Dr. Daniels.
"Colonel, you better find them. Your losing two boys doesn't make your record look good at all."
"We will find them, Captain. I assure you that." Colonel Stone then departed the room.
"Uncle Steve?" asked Trevor as he entered the Captain's Ready Room.
"Cadet Collins, I realize you are my nephew, but while you are cadet here on the "Lexington" you will refer me as Captain Hatcher and I will refer to you as Cadet Collins. I realize it might be awkward for the both of us and a little hard core, but neither of us can drop on our guard or forget the reason why both of us are here. Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes, Sir."
"Good. Now, both of your brothers are missing. Do you have any idea where they are at? And please if you do, tell us. We don't want them to get injured or anything."
"No, Sir, I don't."
"Do you think they would have run away or anything like that?"
"Uncle...Captain Hatcher, we are Collins. We don't runaway from something just because we don't like the situation."
"Yeah, I know. After all, you had a chance to runaway and not get caught over the incident, but all three of you turned yourselves in. That took courage and integrity. We found Andrew's uniform in the shuttle bay. Do you think Ben and Andrew found civilian clothes or something and changed in them to escape, if they did try to escape, not saying they did."
"You found Andrew's clothes?" A peculiar look covered Trev's face.
"Yes, Cadet Collins. Is there something you're not telling me?"
"No, there's not. I have no idea where they are at."
"Trevor, I know you know something. I can tell by the look on your face. Look, tell me where they are.. I will not yell at them or you for telling. I just want to ensure their safety."
"I know nothing. Am I excused now?"
Captain Hatcher left out a deep breath. "Yes, Cadet Collins, you're excused." Captain Hatcher knew Trevor was holding back something, but he knew his loyalty to his brothers was too strong for him to break.
Linda Hatcher sat on a chair in her living quarters. Sitting in front of her was a small monitor with an image of her older son, Mark. His hair was well groomed and his uniform perfect. Small pieces of interference kept distorting the image, but it only came in short spurts.
"I am so proud of you that your JV hockey team made it to the Preparatory School play offs. I know your dad has been bragging about it to anyone who would listen. He even brags about it to people who won't listen."
"I am so excited Mom. Our first game is in two days. We play Middleton's Preparatory school."
"Where is Middleton at?"
"They're a prep school in Massachusetts."
"So you get to go to earth again?"
"Yes, I am looking forward to it. We have been going to earth a lot to play our games. I just wish you and Dad could be there."
"I know, but I will try to do my best and see you play for the championship. I know your team will make it."
"Our Varsity Team will make it too. I know that for a fact too."
"I am sure they will. So how are you making out with your new roommate? "Tim's okay. I don't particularly care for him, but he leaves me alone and I leave him alone. Besides, me and David spend most of our time together studying, playing hockey and student government. David is the JV hockey team's captain and freshman class president. You see mom, the class president for each class, plus one boy from who represents the Lower Level kids make up the student council." "Your father explained it to me once like it was the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The highest ranking officer from each branch of the service makes up the joint chiefs." "That's right Mom. Admiral Whitaker, whose son is my roommate and a complete moron, is on the chiefs of staff representing the Space Navy." "Now don't talk bad about your roommate. Anyway, how are your studies? Being the assistant team captain for hockey and the freshman class vice president, you must be kept pretty busy." "Straight A's, except social sciences. I have a high B average."
"Very good, I am so proud of you."
"Oh mom, David just came in. Say hi to him."
A 15 year old boy with dark hair joined Mark in the monitor. "Hello Mrs. Hatcher."
"Hello, David. It's nice to see you again."
"Thanks for the care package you sent. The cookies were really good."
"You're welcome David. I felt I had to take care of Mark's best friend."
"Mom, you should see David pitch the baseball. He is really good. He is getting warmed up for baseball season."
"Are you going to play baseball Mark?"
"I haven't decided yet, but David wants me to."
"If your son, Mrs. Hatcher, plays half as good at baseball as he does Hockey, he will have no trouble being elected as MVP."
"Excuse, Mrs. Hatcher?" Linda turned and saw Douglas standing behind her. "My dad asked me to bring you these aspirin."
"Oh yes, Douglas. Thank you. With Ben and Andrew missing, it has given me such a bad headache." She took the pills from Douglas. "Douglas, talk to my son, Mark and his friend David, while I go get a glass of water. I will be right back."
Douglas walked up to the monitor. He eyes about popped from his sockets and his jaw dropped. The sweet and sincere face of David turned into a face of torment and evil.
"Douglas Daniels? I always knew you would do something to land yourself in prison, or should I say a second rate juvie hall?"
"Shut up David, you asshole. I am not a juvie. My dad is the doctor on board, besides we are heading back to Earth in a day. We're not staying."
"Can't handle it can you? You could never handle things very well. The competition too tough for you there?"
"No!"
"I am sad you are leaving that bucket of rusted bolts. Because if you stayed, that would give me yet another chance to kick your sorry gay ass in something like I did when I beat you in the race for student president in 9th grade. You might have been the 8th grade president, but when it came time to re-elect you, it was bye bye. The only reason you became the freshman class president is because I was accepted to Junior Sol Force Alliance and you weren't. Plus, let's not forget how I beat you out for number one starting pitcher on the baseball team. You could never keep up to me and you never will."
Douglas clenched his jaw tight. His nostrils were flaring. His knuckles were turning white because his hands were gripped tightly up into fists. "If you would come back to my school, I would beat you in all those things."
"Bullshit. You're a pussy and you know it Douglas. On second thought I am glad you are running back to Earth. It would save you the embarrassment of losing against me again in front of your father and your brother. It's a good thing your mother is dead. She wouldn't have to live through that embarrassment."
"Fuck you David!!!"
"Sorry, it took me so long. The water wasn't working right as usual. I hope you boys had a good talk," said Linda as she returned into the living room.
"Oh yes we did Mrs. Hatcher," replied David with a sweet and innocent face and tone in his voice.
Douglas didn't say a word. He turned and left without saying a word. He marched himself to sickbay. He walked in and walked up to his father who was busy checking out the ear of RJ during his physical.
"Dad, I want to stay."
Scooter sat in his room. He wasn't hungry, so he decided to skip dinner. He hoped no one would notice. He felt so alone. Everyone was giving him the cold shoulder because of the watch incident. And thanks to Johnny Cooper's influence, Scooter got even more shoulders and some picking on for making Johnny and Jeff do push ups and stuff. Tears began to run down his pale, cool cheeks as he wished he would just wake up and this would nothing but a bad dream. He couldn't figure out why everyone was out to get him.
"Okay you queer bait, you're ass is mine!" said Johnny as he came into the room.
"Johnny, I'm sorry."
Johnny held out a knife and pointed it towards Scooter. Scooter was so scared and he backed himself into a corner. He didn't know what to do. He wanted to scream, but when he opened his mouth, his voice was silent.
"I had enough you and your push ups. I am going to teach you a little lesson. So maybe next time you won't fuck up." Johnny used his muscle and weight to pin Scooter against the wall. Johnny was about to engrave something on Scooter's neck when the door opened.
"Johnny, you get away from him unless you want to find yourself in an airlock." There in the doorway stood Jeff.
"Leave me alone Jeff. This doesn't concern you, just Scooter."
"But there is where you are wrong. If it concerns Scooter, then it concerns me."
"If you say so," said Johnny. He quickly hurled the knife through the air and Jeff quickly ducked, missed the deadly blade. Then he lunged towards Johnny. The two of them started to duke it out and get into a terrible fight. Scooter lost any courage he had and just curled in the corner.
The boys continued to fight and roll away on the floor. Their fight ended up in the hall. Finally, with both of them wearing down, Master Sergeant Flint and Sgt. Murdock spotted them fighting and broke them up.
"Enough!!!" yelled Flint. "What the fuck are you ladies doing?"
"We were just being friendly," said Jeff.
"I can see that. Well, since the two of you are such good friends, I tell you what. Effective immediately you two will room with each other. Cadet Cooper you will move into his room. And your Cadet Starr will move into Cadet Cooper's room. You both will spend every minute of every day together. You will stand watch with each other, you will do your chores and jobs together, and since you guys are such good friends, you will even take your shit together. Go do your rooms to change before I really get pissed."
Johnny wanted to lose his temper so bad, but he held it. He would wait this one out. But God help Flint and the other Marines once he was released form this place.
Jeff managed to sneak into Scooter's room to see if he was all right. Scooter was there in the corner. Jeff went over to him and picked him and held him tight. "It's okay Scooter. I'm here. I won't let anything happen to you. I promise." He kissed Scooter on the lips gently and then went back to his business before he was missed.
Douglas flopped onto his bunk. His belly was full from the dinner that Linda Hatcher made. Douglas, his father and Nipper all had dinner with the Captain and his family. Mrs. Hatcher had made her family's secret recipe for lasagna and Douglas had to admit that it was the best he ever had.
Douglas lay on the bed thinking how he ate too much. Halfway through dinner, his father was called to medical again because some cadets had requested to go to sick call. It seemed like that as soon his father would sit down, the Marines would bringing some cadets who had requested to see the doctor. And none of the cadets had any real medical problems, just minor stupid things.
Douglas then thought back to Nipper and Jesse. They seemed to hit it off, but poor Jesse was being bombarded with questions from Nipper about Andrew. When Nipper found out that Jesse and Andrew were cousins, Nipper tried to get as much information out of Jesse as possible. But Jesse didn't seem to mind. Douglas did notice though that Captain Hatcher didn't pay much attention to Jesse during dinner. He seemed to always cut Jesse off and never really answered any questions that Jesse had. Plus Douglas noticed how much Captain Hatcher always talked about Mark's accomplishments but nothing of Jesse's or Tina's accomplishments.
Ah, Tina. Tina Hatcher. Douglas felt her eyes on him all through dinner. She even winked at him a few times. If he wasn't gay, he would probably have been all over her, but she didn't spark any interest in him.
"It's Open," said Douglas as he heard a knock on his door. The door opened and in walked Tina Hatcher. Douglas quickly jumped down from his bunk.
"Hi Douglas, I hope I'm not intruding."
"No, not at all."
"I enjoyed sitting next to you tonight at dinner. I hope we can do it again."
"Dinner was fun," said Douglas. He wasn't quite sure what to say or do. He saw a certain look and gleam in her eyes that made him uneasy.
"Well, I guess I better go. I just wanted to tell you that I had fun." She started to walk away and then she quickly turned back and planted a big kiss on Douglas, forcing her tongue into his mouth to wrestle against his tongue.
"YUK!!!!!!!!!!!!" said Nipper as he entered his room and saw Douglas kissing Tina. Tina and Douglas both turned red. Then Tina ran out of the room. "You kissed a fish."
"She kissed me first," said Douglas.
Nipper looked down and saw that pressure building in Douglas's pants. "You kissed a fish and you are getting a boner from it. That's disgusting."
"Nipper, she kissed me. I didn't kiss her."
"Sure you didn't. You're going to the dark side just like your best friend T did. Douglas is a fish lover," teased Nipper. "Douglas is a fish lover, Douglas is a fish lover." Nipper kept saying that all the way to the bathroom where he was being chased by Douglas. Nipper managed to escape and lock the door until Douglas settled down. But this new information that Nipper saw tonight was just too good to forget about.
When Douglas realized that Nipper wasn't coming out of the bathroom, he went back to his bed. He knew he wasn't a fish lover. Matter of fact, he felt sick to his stomach as Tina was kissing him. Or was it because he had ate too much just moments before? He did realize he did get a boner from kissing her. Oh God, Douglas had a terrible thought. What happen if he was going to the dark side? But no, he knew 100 percent that he was gay and there was no questions about it. Or was there?
For the cadets, the days just dragged on and on and on. For the Faculty and staff the days went by quick, especially with the media on board. Commander Creevey was busy working on some repairs while Captain Storm was away on a mission. Captain Hatcher was busy fighting hard to keep the school open. Dr. Daniels spent most of his time in medical, because at least once every hour, a cadet comes to see him because they had asked to see the doctor. This was happening around the clock.
Some cadets were fighting among themselves. With a few exceptions, there was no camaraderie forming among them. They weren't pulling together as a team. Some of the boys, Johnny Cooper especially, kept fighting the system and pushing all the right buttons with the Marines and Cadets alike. Poor Scooter kept finding himself getting in trouble with the watches for one reason or another. The more trouble he found himself in, the more isolated he became from the others. He wanted to be friends with the rest of the Cadets, but Sgt. Murdock was making him out to look like a bad guy. The only ones that would talk to him now was Jeff, who he found his heart going towards, and his roommate, Mike Donkey. He just wanted to tell Sergeant. Murdock to go to hell, but he could never find his voice to do so. He just wished he knew why Sgt. Murdock was doing this to him.
Nipper really missed Andrew. He hoped that his new best friend was okay. No one has heard any word on him or Ben since they were missing. It has been almost five days since anyone heard or seen them. Nipper was afraid that he might never see Andrew again.
Douglas avoided Tina Hatcher every chance he got. If he saw her coming, he would turn the other way and hide. There was no way he was going to fall for the dark side. So he was taking all precautions so he wouldn't. But Tina didn't make it easy for him. Not easy at all.
The teachers were busy getting their lessons plans together. In two days, they were expected to start teaching whether Captain Storm, Harrison Wolfe and Ensign Masters were back yet or not. Sister Agatha kept to herself mostly. Reverend Kyle was busy making music with all the instruments he had brought on board with him. He even started to give violin lessons to Nipper and some other music lessons to other boys onboard. Trev Collins was one of those boys. He decided to take up the drums. Dr. Kula was having a tough time settling in. He hated being in space and he didn't let Commander Creevey forget any chance he had. But with all the bitching and complaining that Dr. Kula did, Commander Creevey knew that deep inside he was glad he was there to help those boys.
Yes, the days went slow for the cadets, but quickly for the officers and staff. Now, today is the day that the Lexington was supposed to be shut down permanently, but if all went right, those orders will be reversed. Captain Hatcher just sat in his command chair on the bridge and hoped for the best.
Mariah Kingsly sat in her ex-husband's office smoking a cigarette on an extension. She relished in the looks as Admiral Whitaker watched the news chip that she gave him. The story was about the Boys of the Lady Lex. She told the story brilliantly so that it made SFA look like the bad guys and that if the Earth President saw this, Admiral Whitaker would have to answer to a lot of questions.
The news piece ended. "You wouldn't dare air that story."
"Oh yes I would, Darling," said Mariah calmly. She was in her mid 50's. She had red lips and brown eyes that just told people she was a classy bitch. Her curly brown hair just added to her beauty.
"You air this and it could cost me my job. And if I lose my job, you lose your alimony. So you won't air this."
"Alimony? Seeing you lose your job for the good of those boys would well be worth losing my alimony. Besides, you can't talk me out of this. I'm airing it. I was just being kind by letting you see it first. That way you can prepare your resignation accordingly."
Admiral Whitaker growled. He had plans. He couldn't risk losing his job now. "All right Mariah, I know you all to well. What do you want?"
"Are we ready to make a deal now?"
"I'm listening."
"You will give the Lexington Program a fair shot. You will supply any tools, parts, supplies which includes decent food, academic materials and a crew to fill in the empty slots for both officers and academic faculty. And I don't mean any crew that you find off the street, but good reliable people who are qualified to do their position. Oh, and you will pay everyone normal wages."
"I won't do it. You know that Mariah."
"I knew you were going to say that." She got up and started towards the door. "Enjoy the news tonight."
"Wait!! I can't supply any parts or tools because of the demand of them for our fleet build up."
"Fleet build up? I thought the President was going to cut the fleet by 15 percent?"
"That bumbling fool doesn't know what he is talking about. When I retire in two years, I will run against him and show him that if we have a strong fleet, no one will fuck with us. Now, back to your news piece. I will find good quality candidates for any positions that needs filling on board the Lexington. Captain Hatcher can interview the candidates and approve or disapprove their hiring. I will pay everyone who is working onboard the Lexington including Captain Hatcher. But they only get paid normal wages. I will also provide normal food instead of field rations. However, this program is still only a trial program and if the Lexington doesn't come in first place in the Olympics she is closed for good."
Mariah thought for a moment. "You throw in the supplies needed for the academic classes and I will ensure that my story doesn't air. However, you go back on your word and this story will be televised quicker then a New York second."
"Agreed."
Mariah smiled and left his office. Admiral Whitaker went over to his telecomm. He punched in a few buttons to contact the first of two boys he needed to talk to immediately. An image of a boy appeared.
"Admiral. It's not a good time to call me. People are awake."
"Shut up and listen to me. I'm already pissed at you because you downed the Excalibur. You weren't suppose to down her. I need that ship and now she is no good to me. You were only suppose to down the Lexington beyond repair. Now in order to redeem yourself, I am changing plans. Listen carefully, because this will be your last chance otherwise I am going to leave you rot with the other delinquents on the Lexington. I have big plans for Earth and I am not going to have you, my ex-wife or Captain Hatcher fuck with them. Now this is what I want you to do."
Tim walked into David's room after he heard David yell come in. Sitting on the floor was David and Mark, playing cards. There were some peanuts in the center. David looked up at Tim. "What do you want?"
"I want the Orion to win the Olympics."
"We will. I am sure of that," said Mark.
"My father wants to be 100 percent sure. So, anything we need to guarantee us to win is yours. Just give me the word and I can get it to you."
"We won't need your father's help. We can do this on our own," assured David.
"Well, the offer stands. If you need anything and I mean anything, don't hesitate to ask. Because if we win, you will never have to put up with me again. My father told me that if I help win I can go to any school I want to. So a lot is at stake for me. So you need anything, I am your man."
"All right, we will keep that in mind," said David.
"Good." Tim then exited. He was determined to make sure the Orion would win regardless what the price was.
Captain Hatcher entered the bridge. Commander Creevey was sitting at the communications station. "Well?" asked Hatcher.
"That was Mariah Kingsly. She did it. We are still open for business," smiled Creevey.
"Yes, I knew she could do it. All right, now as soon as Ely gets back with our parts, we can start getting this old lady into shape again."
The panel in front of Commander. Creevey beeped. Commander. Creevey tapped a button.
"SFA Lexington Come in. This is the Lady Hawke."
"Lady Hawke?" asked Hatcher as he heard the voice on speaker.
"Lady Hawke, this is Commander Creevey of SFA Lexington. We hear you loud and clear."
"Amanda, good to hear your voice again."
Hatcher and Creevey smiled and 100 pound burden fell off both their backs as they recognized the voice being Ely Storm.
"Ely, where the hell are you?" asked Hatcher.
"We are about an hour out. We had to keep radio silence practically the entire trip."
"Are Ben and Andrew Collins with you?"
There was a deafening silence. "Steve, we will be there in an hour. Lady Hawke Out."
To Be Continued...